Von Schweikert Audio VR-1 Speaker Review

VR-1 Packaging and Build Quality

The following review is for Von Schweikert Audio's VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors. Two pairs of VR-1 speakers were thoroughly listened to and evaluated in bookshelf, and surround applications for approximately four months on a variety of different reference systems, each with unique room acoustics. Some of the technical information was provided by the manufacturer and additional information can be found on their site at www.VonSchweikert.com . Performance measurements were conducted by Audioholics using Sencore and LMS test equipment.

Brief Background

Albert Von Schweikert followed his passion for music and instruments by founding Von Schweikert Audio. His dissatisfaction in the lack of realism found in many contemporary speaker designs led him on a long quest to create a great speaker, at a reasonable price. From the packaging, to the build quality, it's clear to see that Albert Von Schweikert takes pride in his product, and rightfully so.

First Impressions

All speakers were doubled boxed and packaged very well. Once inside the second box, we found a plastic wrap around a black velvet wrap which encased each speaker. The black velvet wrapper was embroidered with Von Schweikert Audio USA logo and knotted on top with a tight rope. At first, I questioned such elaborate packaging, but after pondering on it, I recognized that it's all part of the attention to detail that we've found throughout Von Schweikert's speaker line. To me it also showed that Albert Von Schweikert really cared about how he presented his name while recognizing the importance of a first impression. The velvet bagging also came in handy when we traveled to different locations and implemented the speakers on different reference systems as it made them easier to carry around while also protecting the beautiful finish.

VR-1 Build Quality and Finish

I have to say that Von Schweikert Audio VR-1's, VR-2's, LCR-15 and VR-S/1 sub had remarkable wood veneer finishes. The speakers we reviewed were finished off in a beautiful African Hazelwood veneer. The only other wood tone that I've found to match their beauty was in my Carver and Guitar Factor guitars. Albert told us that they even go out of their way to pay extra for the veneers to assure that the grain structure match for each pair. Von Schweikert offered several different finishes, including Maple, Red Cherry and Black, but what's interesting is that they do not charge extra for any selection. The other redeeming quality we recognized about the speakers was that the bottom and back of the cabinets were also finished with matching veneer. The finishes assured that not only did we receive a quality looking product, but the speakers would likely breeze through the Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) .

African Hazelwood

Maple

Red Cherry

Black

The VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors sported a robust pair of binding post. The binding posts were fitted with 6-mm spade lugs and are silver plated. These robust binding post seemed to be well suited and kept in line with the buildquality that we noticed about the Von Schweikert Audio speakers.

The VR-1 Drivers

VR-1 Measurements and Analysis

We spent over four months carefully listening to the VR-1 bookshelf's in a variety of different systems and rooms. They included Reference System 1 , Reference System 2 , and several "bedroom systems." This helped us better understand the performance of these bookshelf speakers in a variety of room acoustics and with a variety of different receivers and amplifiers. We also listened to a host of audio tracks from DVD movies, CD's, SACD's and DVD-Audio formats. And lastly, we measured near field performance of the VR-1's with our Sencore equipment , as well as plotted an electrical phase and impedance curve using LMS. The speaker was placed in the middle of the listening room and measured 1 meter away (near field response). Bass extension was enhanced when the speaker was placed more closely to a corner/side wall. But measuring a speaker at this location is not an accurate way to do a near field response.

VR-1 Conclusion

VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors Simbilance
The identical Von Schweikert designed tweeter was implemented in the VR-1's, VR-2's and LCR-15, thus assuring a seamless soundstage from each channel. The very first thing we listened to in these speakers (or any for that matter), was the simbilance of the tweeter. We auditioned the speakers with countless familiar tracks to determine how the tweeter reproduced vocals and instruments. After four months, our first impression proved to be the same as our last. The tweeters found in these speakers surpassed our expectations. They were never lispy or harsh and reproduced high frequencies very accurately and transparently. In fact to our amazement, the tweeter performed similarly as a Vifa silk dome tweeter we are familiar with in many other products, but with perhaps even a bit more detail.

VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors as Bookshelf's - No Subwoofer
The VR-1's may be the perfect speaker for a bookshelf, especially in smaller home theater rooms, for several reasons. Size, beauty (especially in African Hazelwood), and performance. These speakers provided accurate, tight bass to around 70-Hz, with some audible lower frequencies. The mid-range and high frequency was full and lively, and the speakers were easy to drive, thereby making them ideal for smaller amplifier applications such as a midfi integrated amp or receiver. However, don't be afraid to drive these babies with top notch electronics as they will likely squeeze out all of the potential and happily welcome more power.

VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors as Bookshelf's - With the VRS-1 Subwoofer
Coupling the VR-1's with the Von Schweikert VR-S/1 subwoofer proved to be equally as pleasing as the sub added dynamics and tight low frequency bass extension in a region where the VR-1's were unable to deliver. Once again, this petite subwoofer was perfect for a small home theater room application where cabinet size may be more important along with beauty, price and performance.

VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors as Main Surrounds and Back Surrounds

We also audition the VR-1's as surrounds on Reference System 1, which allowed us an opportunity to gain an in depth understanding on their performance. As much of the information from surrounds is mid to high frequencies, especially for those who chose "small" for the default settings, the VR-1's were well equipped for the task. The build quality of the tweeter and mid-range imparted itself on the performance in which the VR-1's reproduced accurate, clear surround information as both main surround (Dolby Digital 5.1) and back surround (Dolby Digital 7.1-EX) applications.

Conclusion

The build quality of the Von Schweikert Audio VR-1 Reference Studio Monitors were well noted and commendable. The VR-1's incorporated quality drivers and electronics coupled with beautiful veneers and craftsmanship. These speakers provided notable performance as bookshelf speakers, and surrounds, thereby making them a great choice for bookshelf speakers which can be used as surrounds or mains (coupled with a subwoofer).  Perhaps the most memorable qualities of these speakers are their warm and intimate tonal balance, and superbly airy, but not sibilant highs. They have a very natural sound quality to them that befits their level of craftsmanship and should certainly be on your audition list if a high quality bookshelf speaker is what you are looking for.

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Build Quality
Appearance
Treble Extension
Treble Smoothness
Midrange Accuracy
Bass Extension
Bass Accuracy
Imaging
Soundstage
Dynamic Range
Performance
Value